IN-PERSON London Heritages. Section A

Abstract

The heritage sector has historically privileged the tangible, ‘seen’ and visual dimensions of cultural sites, often neglecting the intangible ‘unseen, multisensory and spiritual dimensions. The paper critiques the dominance of ocular-centric frameworks in architectural heritage discourse and proposes a decolonial approach that foregrounds sensory and spiritual epistemologies. Drawing on Bungoma philosophy, a Southern African divinity healing practice characterised by drumming, rhythmic movement, spiritual communication and dream mediation, the research explores how such practices might expand the understanding of heritage architecture and practice. Kwa Mai-Mai market, Johannesburg’s oldest traditional market, serves as a case study to examine the complexities of heritage preservation amidst rapid urban development, socio-economic disparities and mass tourism. While the market is celebrated for its historical significance in Johannesburg’s development as a mining city, its overlooked intangible heritage- including spiritual and cultural practices- offers opportunities to rethink conservation frameworks. By engaging with Bungoma philosophy as a sonic and spiritual practice, the study aims to challenge the tangible aspects of its heritage and propose an alternative model for inclusive heritage practices. This exploratory research is particularly interested in how these modalities intersect and how they can reconcile the tensions of conservation to urban survival, inclusivity and economic development in cultural heritage sites. The study seeks to contribute to ongoing conversations on decolonising architectural heritage by advocating a closer reading of marginalised sensory and spiritual (Indigenous) knowledge systems. This research is at a conceptual stage as part of the author’s ongoing work toward a PhD in Heritage Studies at the University of Witwatersrand.